Giovanni Hidalgo - In the Tradition - DVD
Languages : English (US) ; spanish

In a more convenient form than its previous VHS version, this DVD offers a detailled analysis of a number of basic Puerto-Rican conga patterns with the help of some great musicians such as José Luis « Changuito » Quintana, here a special guest.
These multimedia lessons couldn't be presented more simply : a plain shooting of the master, playing and speaking in front of a single camera.

In short, the content of the DVD consists of a video masterclass by a man who is rightly considered one of the best conga players in the world. Hidalgo first reveals the different basic techniques (open, slap, deep and muffled sounds) and sets them back into their respective musical contexts (Son Montuno, Danzon, Charanga).
The master also presents different kinds of variation techniques, preparatory techniques (relaxation, mastering, etc.) to play in the best possible conditions on one or two drums.
In spite of some necessary extra concentration efforts, due to the english-spanish mix that characterizes Hidalgo's language, "In the Tradition" remains a brilliant pedagogical aid, fully up to date in 2007.

Delivered with a 34-page booklet (scores, history, nomenclature), the DVD also offers tasty extra material: video shootings of Raul Rekow, Giovanni and Changuito's performances; screensavers and Internet links to download maintenance advice and glossaries.

A very nice 90-minute self-teaching tool, aimed at beginners to advanced learners.